A very old Kusu figure from the DRC ~ formerly Zaire.  The Kusu people live on the left bank of the Lualaba River.  They passed through Luba, Hemba and Songye territories when they made their exodus from the north. It was at this time that they assimilated social and artistic traditions from these respective tribes.  Kusu art is relatively rare and reflects the artistic influences of their neighbors, although Kusu figures appear more angular than those of the Hemba. The Kusu worship various nature spirits, recognize ancestor cults that have been borrowed from the Hemba and the Luba, and fashion and use powerful magical figures similar to those found among the Songye.   This nicely carved Kusu figure measures 12 3/4"" in height.